Artists Among Us: Artist Profile - Dorothy
Frankel

Continuing with our artist
profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, our
next artist is Dorothy Frankel, who lives in Sag Harbor.

Artist Dorothy Frankel with one of her
sculptured 'dogs' and the real thing, her camera shy pal,
"Billy." Photo by Eileen Casey

Sag Harbor - Dorothy Frankel
was raised in northern New Jersey, and her family is from New York
City. As a child she went to the City frequently, and attended
George Washington University for a few years, studying pre-law and
political science. She then shifted majors and studied in England.
Returning to the U.S. she went on to graduate from the University of
Maryland, with a B.S. in Kinesiology, and then received her Master's
degree from Columbia University, in Exercise Physiology. Frankel
declares that "Being true to oneself and living a passionate life
gives one health, and when art
became my passion - I went for it."

In her mid-20s, she began "to make things" and attended the
Sculpture Center, National Academy of Design and Urban Glass, and
then studied in Pietrasanta, Italy.

Frankel explains "I started my career in the early 1980s sculpting
figurative pieces in wood from trees, followed by abstract pieces.
Then from scrap wood I found in woodworking shops I created more
refined abstract pieces and furniture."

"In 1986, my work underwent a radical change and I began working in
clay. I was attracted to terra cotta because of the variety of
colors and textures it offered and the richness and depth of
different clays. I also like the ease in molding it and using my
hands and not tools to create the sculpture."

"Relief 650" 2008, Terra Cotta Sculpture.

Frankel indicated "I often used
different clays in combination with each other to achieve dimension
through color and surface texture. By doing this I create a natural,
guttural depth and deep emotional expression. My work gives a strong
feeling of connection to the earth. Also, I think my work is about
harmony, balance, having the heart lead softly, so we connect
oneself to others and all beings.

"I create 3-D abstract and figurative works referencing anatomical
forms, animals, and nature, as well as simple geometric shapes. Some
pieces were cast in bronze and in stone. I have, over the years,
added wall reliefs, giving a textured dimension. I have continued to
use unglazed terra cotta as my primary medium; at times I glaze and
paint the pieces."

Continuing Frankel elaborates "The threads that weave my sculptures
together are the bonds between nature and spirit. The evocation of
these relationships gives the work serene and contemplative tones,
offering viewers a visual sanctuary and opportunities for
reflection. The surface is worked to obtain a variety of forms that
elicit sensory messages to beckon viewers to experience each
sculpture by touching it with their fingers and eyes. My work has a
range that is accessible and positive."

"Friends Talking" 2000, Terra Cotta
Sculpture.

When did you start making art
and what medium(s) do you consider to be your roots in art?

Dorothy Frankel: I started in my early 20s when I moved out
here, I started in wood, trees, found wood, scraps, then wood again,
then shifted to terra cotta and cast in bronze, also acrylic, steel,
and at one point glass, but mostly terra cotta.

What is it about the Hamptons that brought you here and
enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to
some place else?

DF: The beauty and light is breathtaking.
Each day getting up to a beautiful home and garden, walking in
Morton [Wildlife Sanctuary], interacting with the wildlife, taking
my dog, Billy, to the ocean and being able to be there by ourselves.
These interactions influence my work, and my sense of peace and
harmony. Also there are very interesting people here to have great
dialogs with, which influences the content of my work.

What local environmental or historical aspects of the Hamptons
do you relate to that may be reflected in your medium?

DF: Again, all of the above - ocean, Morton, nature and more
nature, expanse of views, light, having a house, yard, people, good
community, artist community of writers, activists, political
conversation, theater, live music - healthy slant.

DF: Explore lots of mediums, learn from the master artist,
don't short cut. Technique - as it is the key to understand so you
have the freedom to express yourself - stay focused - and keep the
passion.

What gives you an edge (if any)?

DF: I am true to myself with my work. I have not gotten into
the rut of showing only one body of work. I am eclectic and I
celebrate that. All the figurative, or wall pieces to abstract
sculptures are a part of me, and when one sees that here, at my
studio/garden, I think one feels my contentment and willingness to
be true to art. I work hard and continuously, I push and am open to
new methods.

"Three Dogs And A Cat," 2006 Installation
in Carl Schurz Park in New York City, bronze.

I am emotionally available so my work has that depth, and I have
created a magnificent environment for myself that feeds me. It's a
sanctuary. That's critical for me as I need a lot of quiet,
surrounded by beauty and nature, animals, as well as the walk in
Morton feeding the birds, rabbits and turkeys. That is why I can not
be in NYC. I don't always get it right but I am learning what
nourishes me so I thrive more than not. Accepting and knowing
yourself, and letting yourself be.

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any
upcoming shows or exhibitions?

DF: I am working on a few commissions and I am also showing
at Fells Sculpture Park in New Hampshire. I am also working on
enlarging some of my work for monuments. I mostly show here as I
have a sculpture garden and studio, and it is a very good way for
people to see my range of work in an actual studio garden setting.
On Aug. 22, we are having an event here with Bob Zellner - "Salon
Des Artistes" to benefit the Student Non-Violent Coordinating
Committee (SNCC).